When we speak to families visiting Hogshaw Farm, one thing comes up time and time again: they’re always looking for new places to explore close to home. If you’re searching for days out from Aylesbury, you’re in luck. Buckinghamshire is packed with family attractions, beautiful countryside and hands-on experiences, all within an easy drive of the town.
Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure, entertaining the children during the school holidays or simply making the most of a sunny afternoon, there are plenty of things to do near Aylesbury without spending hours in the car.
Here are some of our favourite family days out, all within around 30 minutes of Aylesbury.
1. Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park – A Full Day of Family Adventure
Just a short drive from Aylesbury, Hogshaw Farm is one of Buckinghamshire’s most popular destinations for families who love animals, outdoor play and exploring the countryside.
We believe the best family days out are the ones where children can lead the adventure. Whether they’re meeting our Highland Cattle, watching birds of prey soar overhead, discovering our Eurasian lynx or simply running between the play areas, there’s always something to capture their imagination.
Admission includes access to:
- Rare breed farm animals and European wildlife
- Deer Meadow
- Adventure playgrounds
- Indoor and outdoor play
- Sand and water play
- Pedal go-karts
- Daily animal encounters
- Summer Splash Pool (seasonal)
- Seasonal events throughout the year
For visitors looking to make the day even more memorable, we also offer a range of animal experiences, giving you the chance to get even closer to some of our most popular residents.
You can discover everything included in your visit on our Explore the Farm page.
2. Explore Waddesdon Manor
Around 20 minutes from Aylesbury, Waddesdon Manor offers a wonderful combination of history, architecture and beautifully maintained gardens. Grounds are free to explore on foot, while house entry and parking are charged — worth knowing when planning a budget-conscious day out.
Families can enjoy woodland walks, seasonal trails and plenty of open space, while adults often appreciate exploring the impressive house and grounds.
It’s a great option if you’re looking for a slower-paced day surrounded by beautiful scenery.
3. Discover Wendover Woods
If your family enjoys being outdoors, Wendover Woods is one of Buckinghamshire’s best places to explore.
With walking trails, cycling routes, play areas and spectacular views across the Chiltern Hills, it’s ideal for families wanting to spend time in nature.
It’s especially popular during autumn, but offers something different throughout every season.
4. Visit Buckinghamshire Railway Centre
For children fascinated by trains, the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre is another excellent family attraction within easy reach of Aylesbury.
Historic steam trains, interactive exhibits and railway-themed activities make it an enjoyable day out for all ages.
Special events throughout the year mean there’s often something new to discover with every visit.
5. Spend Time at College Lake Nature Reserve
If you’re looking for a quieter escape, College Lake Nature Reserve provides beautiful walking routes, wildlife spotting opportunities and plenty of fresh air.
It’s a fantastic place to slow down, enjoy the countryside and introduce children to local wildlife in its natural habitat.
Every visit feels a little different depending on the season.
What Makes Hogshaw Farm One of the Best Days Out Near Aylesbury
There are lots of excellent family days out near Aylesbury, but many of our visitors tell us they return to Hogshaw Farm because every visit offers something new.
The animals change with the seasons. Our events calendar evolves throughout the year. Children grow in confidence as they interact with different species, and every visit creates new memories.
One of our favourite things to see is children introducing parents to their favourite animals because they remember exactly where they live from their previous visit.
That sense of familiarity mixed with new discoveries is something we’re incredibly proud of.
Looking for Hands-On Animal Experiences?
If your family enjoys getting closer to animals, our animal experiences offer something truly special.
From meeting our Eurasian lynx and Highland Cattle to spending time with reindeer, Sika deer and playful ferrets, these experiences provide dedicated time with our keepers and some of the farm’s most fascinating residents.
Each experience has its own minimum age. The Highland Cattle Experience is suitable for ages 8 and over, the Lynx Experience for ages 6 and over, and the Ferret Experience for ages 4 and over. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult.
Rather than simply observing the animals, you’ll learn about their behaviour, personalities and the conservation work that helps protect many of these incredible species.
You can explore all of our experiences on our Animal Experiences page.
Days Out Buckinghamshire With Kids
One of the best things about living in or around Aylesbury is having such a wide variety of attractions nearby.
Families looking for days out Buckinghamshire with kids can enjoy everything from wildlife parks and historic houses to woodland adventures, heritage railways and nature reserves without travelling far.
By combining a few different attractions across the year, every season offers something new to enjoy. At Hogshaw Farm in particular, children often develop firm favourites — whether that’s the lynx, the Highland Cattle or the adventure play areas — and look forward to returning to see them again.
Many of the families who visit us also come from nearby towns including Bicester, Milton Keynes, Buckingham, Leighton Buzzard and Winslow, making this part of Buckinghamshire a fantastic base for exploring the county.
Planning Your Visit to Hogshaw Farm
If you’re planning one of your next days out from Aylesbury, we’d love to welcome you to Hogshaw Farm.
We’re open throughout the year, with seasonal events, daily animal encounters and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Buckinghamshire countryside together as a family.
Before travelling, you can check our latest opening times, admission prices and upcoming events.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, we can’t wait to welcome you back.
The Best Days Out Are the Ones You Remember
There are plenty of things to do near Aylesbury, but the best family days out are about more than simply keeping everyone entertained.
They’re about discovering something new, spending quality time together and creating memories that children will still be talking about on the journey home.
Here at Hogshaw Farm, that’s exactly what we hope every family takes away from their visit. Whether you’re meeting wildlife, enjoying the play areas, taking part in an animal experience or simply exploring the countryside together, we’re proud to be one of the favourite family days out near Aylesbury for so many local families.
After all, some of the best adventures are closer to home than you might think.